Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky DeLong.
Vicky, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I began working with clay about forty years ago. While living in Naples, Italy from 1983 through 1987, I had the opportunity to study at the Instituto della Porcellana e della Ceramica located on the grounds of the Royal Palace of Capodimonte. From the Italian masters of the institute, I learned ceramic techniques, including creating the many types of flowers and leaves in the Capodimonte style, a tradition that dates back to the early 1700’s.
While in Italy, I visited many museums and galleries all over Europe so I could experience the wonderful art and architecture of the countries; many of which I learned about during my university studies.
Those experiences helped shape the nature of my creativity.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why? And what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Upon returning to the United States from Italy in 1987, I worked with many ceramic techniques to enhance and combine with the ceramic processes I learned in Italy. I also studied throwing on the potter’s wheel from an accomplished San Diego potter.
I found the ceramic technique of throwing tiresome, like, what do I do with this thing I created? So I discovered using slabs of clay to create vessels, baskets, and other free form objects. Much more fun and interesting to create.
I maintain an interest in architecture including the extraordinary style of Antonio Gaudi. I am fascinated with texture, which is also seen in Gaudí’s work. The abstract and intricate forms are ones I incorporate into my work of the hand built slab technique. To these forms, I apply various patterns and textures to create free form architectural objects.
In addition to creating art in clay, Vicky has a considerable interest in the visual arts where she has curated many fine art exhibits in numerous venues across San Diego County in order to give artists additional professional venues to exhibit their work.
In the early 90s, she received a Museum Studies Certificate from Mesa College, San Diego. From 1997-2010, she worked as the Executive Director at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center in Bonita, California. The museum is an historical society featuring history of the South Bay area of San Diego. In addition to the history, Vicky was instrumental in bringing Fine Art to the museum by organizing Juried Fine Art exhibits and Juried Photography exhibits.
In 2007, Vicky created and organized a Juried Exhibition named The Catnip Connection that honors animals of the feline persuasion, domestic and wild. The show continued in Gallery 21, Spanish Village Art Center through 2018.
By 2012, she started work as the Art Coordinator for the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. She continues to coordinate the Fine Art exhibits in the Visitor Center Art Gallery with shows changing every 4-6 weeks.
In early 2013, Vicky began chairing the Small Image Show in Gallery 21, Spanish Village Art Center. Art was submitted from all over San Diego County and juried by accomplished gallery owners and museum directors.
By mid 2018, Vicky began working at Front Porch Gallery in Carlsbad, California as a Gallery Associate. At the beginning of this year she curated an exhibit named She Pushes Boundaries: A 3-D Invitational. This exhibit features twelve women artists who redefined process to push the boundaries of aesthetic and cultural expectations.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
When I first began creating objects in clay, I simply gave them away – to friends and family. I became an artist member at Spanish Village Art Center, San Diego in 1997. That’s when I knew I had to become serious about my work. I created my art in my studio and had the opportunity to sell it as well. I was excited to learn that people enjoyed seeing me work, and to have the opportunity to purchase something to enhance their living space or office or give as a gift.
Success to me is when someone buys a piece of your art and wants to add it to their home or office environment.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I lease a studio in Spanish Village Art Center/Balboa Park, Studio 16B. 1770 Village Place, San Diego, CA.
In my studio, you may watch me create and have the opportunity to purchase one of my ceramic creations.
Contact Info:
- Address: Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park, 1770 Village Place, Studio 16B, San Diego, CA 92101
- Website: www.zhibit.org/vickydelong
- Phone: 619-850-6637
- Email: vbde@cox.net
- Instagram: vicky.delong
Image Credit:
Images are credited to me.
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